Twisted Tales by Maureen McGowan

 

These are two new books by Maureen McGowan that are apparently Choose Your Own Adventure types of books. Do you remember Choose Your Own Adventure? That is one book fad I was just at the right age for, in other words, I was smack dab in its target audience when it reached its heydey in the 80s. I owned a few but I have to admit I wasn't a big fan since I reached an ending so quickly that I was bored and would read through the book straight to see what options and endings were present. And I bought most of my books back then (still do) and I didn't feel like I got much bang for my buck with those since they ended in a few minutes. So says the girl who would devour a Nancy Drew in an average of 2.5 hours. I think I still own an official Star Trek edition in which you end up being a red shirt ensign judging from how many times you end up dead from your choices, that's all I really remember of it. It was rather disconcerting to my tween fandom to "die" while reading a Star Trek novel. Oh my, I found it: Star Trek: Voyage to Adventure (Which Way Books No 15).

But back to these books. I only know they are Choose Your Own Adventure/Which Way from the reader reviews. I don't know much more about these, but they may be fun. I imagine I would have loved them if they had been among my options in 1984. I'd probably have fun with them now, too, since just reminiscing is making me smile...and they are fun takes on fairy tales, to boot.

Here are the official descriptions:

Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer (Twisted Tales) by Maureen McGowan

In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!

Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer is an entirely new type of fairy tale–one that will keep today's kids guessing and offer them hours of magical fun.

Cinderella: Ninja Warrior (Twisted Tales) by Maureen McGowan

In this fast-paced story full of adventure and romance, Cinderella is more than just a servant girl waiting for her prince—she's a tough, fearless girl who is capable of taking charge of a dangerous situation. Seeking to escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, Cinderella perfects her ninja skills and magic talents in secret, waiting for the day when she can break free and live happily ever after. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Cinderella and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!